PROVO, Utah — On a challenging night for Oklahoma State, a glimmer of hope emerged when receiver Brennan Presley caught a go-ahead touchdown. However, the excitement was short-lived.
In just over a minute, BYU orchestrated a stunning 75-yard drive that culminated in the game-winning touchdown, sealing a 38-35 victory that left the Cowboys reeling.
OSU quarterback Alan Bowman stepped in for the injured Garret Rangel and led a crucial drive, reaching 76 yards in 17 plays. He connected with Presley for a touchdown, putting OSU ahead 35-31 with just 1:13 remaining. However, BYU’s Jake Retzlaff swiftly retaliated with a remarkable eight-play drive, converting on fourth down and scrambling for yardage before throwing a 35-yard touchdown pass to Darius Lassiter, who evaded multiple defenders on his way to the end zone.
With this loss, Oklahoma State dropped to 0-4 in Big 12 play, marking the first time since 2014 that the team has lost four consecutive games.
Here are some key takeaways from the matchup:
Garret Rangel’s Injury Update
Garret Rangel, making his first start of the season, struggled initially but improved as the game progressed. He led two touchdown drives and nearly set up a third before sustaining a shoulder and collarbone injury during a 54-yard run. Rangel completed 6 of 9 passes for 51 yards, along with one touchdown and one interception, while rushing for 77 yards across five carries.
Parker Robertson’s Breakout Performance
Safety Parker Robertson, normally a special teams player, had a standout game, recording a career-high in tackles before the first quarter concluded. Stepping in for an injury-depleted secondary, Robertson amassed six tackles in the first quarter and finished the game with 11, also securing his first career interception late in the first quarter.
Emergence of New Talents
Oklahoma State utilized their bye week to incorporate several players from lower on the depth chart. Notably, freshman running back Rodney Fields Jr. carried the ball eight times for 38 yards and made a significant fourth-down conversion in the fourth quarter. Redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Austin Kawecki also contributed by alternating between guard positions, while receivers Ayo Shotomide-King and Da’Wain Lofton received increased playing time. On defense, Landon Dean saw significant action at defensive end, alongside redshirt freshman Poasa Utu in pass-rushing scenarios.
Growing Injury Concerns for OSU
The injury roster expanded before the trip to Utah and continued to grow throughout the game. Starting safeties Trey Rucker and Dylan Smith, along with backup defensive end Jaleel Johnson, did not make the trip. Backup quarterback Zane Flores also missed the game after undergoing season-ending surgery. Rangel’s injury was the most critical, but others were felt as well, including left tackle Dalton Cooper’s absence in the second half due to a reported walking boot and safety Cameron Epps needing assistance off the field in the third quarter.